Please advise!!! Where to rent in OKC? Any areas one should avoid? (Norman: best neighborhoods)

[Stephanieca]

My mom is relocating from West Virginia to OKC for work. She will be working at Chesapeake Energy. I am in San Francisco, Ca and am trying to find the a safe, but convenient and fun area for my mom to live. Having never been there I am only able to educate myself by such means as this forum. Can anyone provide any recommendations on any particular areas or communities that would be recommended for someone looking to rent? Additionally is there any areas anyone would recommend avoiding?

Prefer a walkable area in close proximity to restaurants, supermarkets, cafes etc.. This is not the most important, but definitely a plus.

[#1soonerfan]

Surprised nobody answered this....

I'll say that OKC is a bit of a patchwork; there are really no areas of town you should completely avoid. So it may be a little difficult to answer that question without a specific location.

If she is working at Chesapeake and wants a walkable area, I would definitely suggest Crown Heights or the Western Avenue Corridor between 36th and 50th. There are a lot of shops and restaurants in this area that are easily accessible by foot. Plus the CHK offices are on 63rd and Western so the commute will be super simple. The only concern I would have is real estate is very tight in that area, especially if she wants to rent. You got to be quick on the draw if you want property, I've personally learned this the hard way.

Another area is the central part of the city (midtown/downtown/Deep Deuce). I actually live in midtown and love it. It is very walkable to many restaurants and close to downtown action. This may or may not work for your mom as it is a bit of a "younger" area, grocery and other shopping options are still a bit limited (but getting better), and its not as close to CHK (but still maybe 15 minutes away).

[bsmgk]

There are many great historic neighborhoods throughout the city, but there just as many where you better be traveling in a group or avoiding altogether. The plaza district may be hep, but the surrounding neighborhoods are characterized by home invasions, etc. the entire SW quadrant is potentially dangerous and you better be able to habla. Anything east of 235 from downtown to 122 is gangsterfide. There may be a few safe spots, but lots of gang activity. Also Britton Road from May Ave east to 235 north to Memorial is ALSO gangsterfide. OKCs best neighborhoods aren't affordable for most folks. Edmond, far NW Okc, Mustang, Moore, Norman Yukon are typical suburbs. Midwest City and Del City much more urban than suburban. I enjoy partying on Western Ave, Midtown, and Brickton. They are listed from safest to less safe, but still safe. South side is pretty tough. Helps if your from there, like I am. I live in Edmond for a reason. Several actually.